The concept of "megadiverse countries" was put forward for the first time in 1988, at the Conference on Biodiversity held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The object of this concept is to identify the biologically wealthiest nations on Earth.

Assembled for the first time, in a book that would become the first in a series on the earth sciences, are stunning photographs from the seventeen countries in which lie the greatest concentrations of that megadiversity. In total their territories are home to between 60 percent and 80 percent of life on earth. With more than 500 photos of flagship animal and plant species, rare and unique, as well as the human cultures that flourished thanks to that natural wealth, this unique book and work of art is more than just a useful reference. Its content and purpose will hopefully make us all more aware of the immense value and importance of the natural patrimony that we share.